Original subtitles

♪Having survived the winter I'm expecting the flower season♪

♪Smiling in a spring breeze I'm immersed in it♪

♪Whose breath warmed my cold heart♪

♪And stirred up ripples♪

♪A figure may be reflected in my eyes♪

♪Bring back numerous memories♪

♪Through my life I've endured hardships for love♪

♪With you My mind is still and peaceful♪

♪Don't blame fate and providence♪

♪And the merciless fortune♪

♪Wandering in the world of mortals like it's a game♪

♪Risking my heart♪

♪Isn't to be regretted♪

♪I'll exchange it for the love of my life delightedly♪

=A Dream of Splendor=

=Episode 12=

Commander,

no, Deputy Commissioner.

When do you think I can put this on?

Military leader doesn't have an official rank.

If you don't risk your life

and work step by step,

it will take about 30 or 40 years.

I'd better not risk my life.

Working for you,

I won't suffer any loss.

Those who worked for me all died.

Well...

For the first time, Boss,

you scared someone on purpose.

It looks like you're in a good mood after being promoted.

Just because I'm permitted to wear scarlet,

it doesn't mean I've ascended to the Fifth Rank.

I've been walking on the way

for over ten years.

I still have a long way to go.

So you've been working yourself to death,

because you want to ascend to the Fifth Rank.

Why is it?

Can a Fifth Rank go to court,

become Adjunct,

or can his wife be named Mandated Ma'am?

I get it.

Is it because of Pan'er?

Shut up.

By the way,

did you settle them down yesterday?

Did anything happen?

Everything was fine. Nothing happened.

I've read her medical record.

It wasn't serious.

She just had some minor injuries and was frightened.

She needs to rest peacefully.

Well then,

you go and withdraw all my salaries

and bonuses of the last two months.

From now on,

I'll pay the rent

for their house

and their expenses.

But Pan'er forced me to

take the money yesterday.

You know she isn't even afraid of you.

How dare I say no?

She doesn't want to owe me any favor.

No wonder she is a businesswoman.

Anyway,

withdraw the money first.

Life won't be easy

for three women.

They may need it in case of emergency.

Yes.

Report!

Adjutant Hu Yuan of Kaifeng Prefecture asks to see you.

Invite him in.

Yes.

I'll be busy recently

and have no time to visit them.

Keep an eye on Chazi. [*Chazi: Ancient government spy]

Make sure he's investigating Ouyang Xu.

Yes.

(Breeze Brings Integrity)

You did the right thing.

As long as Miss Gao doesn't forget you,

there is still hope for your marriage,

and you can return to the capital early.

I must leave a way open for the future.

After I leave,

remember to wander outside Gao's Mansion

and make sure Gao Hui sees you.

You should say,

I just want to check if you're fine on behalf of my master.

Master, rest assured.

I'll do my best.

What about Zhao Pan'er?

She did this to you.

I gave a hint just now.

Those who are smart enough will keep it in mind.

It's like a hole is burnt in our pocket.

It's already taken dozens of strings

before the business is opened.

Speaking of that,

wasn't the gold Ouyang Xu gave you

hidden under the bed

in your old house in Qiantang?

Was it stolen?

No.

My boss has already sent his men there.

The teahouse,

the houses of Pan'er's and Yinzhang's

are all well-guarded.

Not a coin shall be stolen.

Really?

Great.

Well then,

I'd like you to do me another favor.

Except for the gold under the bed,

I also dug a hole at the foot of the southern wall of the kitchen,

in which there are two boxes.

Bring the big one out.

Inside are some title deeds,

gold bullion and silver ingots,

which I've saved over the years.

Would you exchange them

for Fei-qian

and take it here with my collection of paintings?

By doing that, we can not only pay off Gu Qianfan's money,

but also have more capitals

for our teahouse.

What about the small box?

It belongs to Yinzhang.

Your money

is safe with me.

The reason why I didn't give you before

was because I was afraid you and Zhou She...

I know.

I was too naive back then.

It's all in the past now.

If you want to

keep it yourself,

we can ask Chen Lian's friends

to bring it here, too.

Exchange it.

Every coin counts to us now.

So you're not going to leave any money in Qiantang

in case you need a way out?

Are you sure?

Not a coin left?

No regrets?

No regrets.

You place your bet and never regret it.

Wherever I am,

behind my back is my way out.

- Well said. - Well said.

No, no.

I can't charge you for doing you the favor.

Pan'er, if you insist on it,

you're regarding me as an outsider.

Besides, now,

my bros in Qiantang

all know I'm working for Mr. Gu.

Mr. Gu just got promoted.

They all try to suck up to me.

What's his official title now?

Deputy Commissioner of Western Upper Memorial Reception Staff.

In the Capital Security Office,

he is now the second in command

below Commissioner Lei.

He now can wear scarlet

and the silver fish pocket.

Being permitted to wear scarlet and bestowed with silver fish pocket.

It seems that His Majesty thinks very highly of your boss.

Mr. Gu is under 30,

yet he is hopefully to rise to the Fifth Rank.

You've surely chosen the right boss.

Of course. I have a good eye.

With all due respect,

I have a better eye than you do.

You're right.

I hope I'll be luckier in the future.

No, not in the future.

There is a right man in front of you.

You?

You're too young.

Don't be oily-tongued like other guys.

Not me, I mean...

All right.

You can leave now.

Please lose no time to do us the favor.

As for the teahouse,

don't tell your boss for now.

Why?

Because I think he'll probably disagree.

Tell him we're all good.

After everything is done,

he can't oppose it.

OK, then.

I'm off. Bye.

(The officialdom has its ups and downs like the sea.)

(He got promoted.)

(Ouyang,)

(are you satisfied with your official position?)

(Though I don't know what has)

(made you such a complete stranger,)

(I will)

(beg the Buddha to bless you)

(with bad luck in officialdom and a hard life)

(until you return what you owe me.)

Uncle Qi.

(Qi Mu) I heard you were back,

(Qi Mu) so I come to see you at night when all is still.

I'm sorry to bother you.

I'm supposed to visit you

on the scheduled date.

You're like a son to me.

Knowing that you've been badly hurt,

I'm so worried.

How can I wait for another three days?

Where did you hurt?

How are the injuries?

Don't worry.

I've had it inquired.

Now in the government,

you're the only one who is still working.

Why are you working so late?

Is it because of the handover of Zheng Qingtian's case

to the Court of Judicial Review?

Work is endless.

Your health matters most.

Take good care of yourself.

If your health is damaged,

how could I explain it

to your late father?

Yes, I'll keep it in my mind.

I haven't congratulated you on Fufei. [*Fufei: Wear a scarlet robe]

[*Only the officials of the Fourth and Fifth Ranks can wear scarlet.]

Now you have your own office.

Come on, show me around.

OK. This way, please.

Please.

Evidences of Lei Jing colluding with

the officials of Jiangnan are all inside.

With those,

you'll definitely topple Lei Jing.

Well done.

The court is lucky to have such an official as you.

I'm lucky to have a nephew like you.

But now,

it isn't a good time to launch the attack.

Lei Jing has served His Majesty for over 30 years.

He still enjoys the imperial graciousness

and is liked by His Majesty.

His Majesty has punished many people

who were involved in Zheng Qingtian's case.

He may not want it to escalate.

If we expose Lei Jing at this time,

we may not knock him down with one blow.

So,

let's wait for the right time.

OK, I'll listen to you.

Don't be upset.

I told you in the first place,

to disguise your true colors,

you must get used to loneliness.

You're young and talented.

I feel guilt to you that I arranged you

to work in the Capital Security Office

as a military official.

But if I'm going to deal with Xiao Qinyan and Zhu Peiruo

who deceive their superiors and suppress their subordinates,

I have to place a nail

in the detective department.

Over the years,

you've never disappointed me.

Lei Jing wouldn't have expected in his dreams

that the Living Devil who works for him

is one of my undercover men.

Living Devil

isn't a nice name.

But comparing to the court

and Great Song,

personal reputation is nothing.

Actually, I've never regretted it.

Xiao Qinyan will soon return to the capital as Prime Minister.

Lei Jing tries very hard to fawn on him.

As the head of hired thugs

and the leader of the traitor ministers,

they'll be a bane

to the country and the people if they are in collusion.

So, you must investigate them carefully.

Yes.

He has risen to the Fifth Rank at such a young age.

(It's him.)

(One day,)

(I must return loaded with honors)

(just as he does.)

(I must.)

Let's move the large ones first.

Come here. I have candies for you.

Take it easy. I have enough for everyone.

We made the candies ourselves.

Please tell people

our teahouse opens tomorrow.

Customers will get a 40% discount in the first two days.

Next time, when you come with the candy wrapper,

you'll get candies again

and enjoy another 10% discount.

- You can enjoy the best - I want more.

- Jiangnan pastries with a 50% discount. - I want more.

Please have a try.

Would you like to go inside?

OK. Let's go inside and have a look.

Let's go.

I didn't expect that

- supervising work is so tiring. - Give it to me.

When you volunteered to prepare and serve tea,

I didn't agree with you.

Two plates plus four bowls

already weigh two catties.

If I can hold a pipa,

I can push the screen.

Pan'er,

the teahouse needs a plaque.

What shall we inscribe it?

You'll inscribe it.

Me?

No.

I can't even read 100 characters.

Our teahouse is

treading a path of rustic charm.

A plaque that is likely inscribed by a child

will cater to those men of literature and writing.

Do it. Have a try.

I'm going to do it.

You must use it.

I've written it.

What have you written?

I'm waiting to show you.

Look.

(Zhao's Teahouse)

Zhao's Teahouse.

Right.

Zhao's Teahouse.

Right.

(Zhao's Teahouse)

Is it straight?

It's OK.

Get down. Take care.

It's really nice.

New teahouse opens. Welcome.

Our teahouse is opening.

We offer a 50% discount.

New teahouse is opening. Welcome.

Welcome in.

Shall we yell?

OK.

Zhao's Teahouse. New Teahouse.

Zhao's Teahouse is opening.

Teahouse is opening. 50% discount.

No charge if it's tasteless.

No. No.

No charge if it's tasteless.

Teahouse is opening.

Welcome in.

When did you beauties

come to the capital?

Why didn't you come when I was young?

Come in and have a cup of tea.

I can't afford it.

You're too pretty to be honest.

Teahouse is opening. No charge if it's tasteless.

He Si.

You...

(No charge if it's tasteless.)

There's a new teahouse.

I've never seen it.

Does your food taste good?

No charge if it's tasteless.

Really? No charge if it's tasteless?

What if it is tasty?

You'll enjoy a 50% discount.

Really?

50% discount? Is there such a good thing?

We'll be fools if we don't take advantage of it.

Let's not be fools.

Let's eat them right into the ground.

Let's go.

Come on. Welcome in.

Please.

No charge if it's tasteless.

Welcome inside.

Please.

Do you see that?

It's really nice.

Welcome inside.

Look.

Interesting.

Nice.

(Meiling of Naxi Perilla Drink)

Sit down.

- Sit. - Please sit down.

Please sit by this table.

This is really a nice place.

Sit down. Please take a seat.

There are plenty of seats.

Please sit down.

Sit down.

Let's open our business.

It's on the house. Please enjoy.

Enjoy yourselves.

It's delicate.

How beautiful it is!

I want a pot of Perilla Drink.

Perilla Drink.

Coming right up.

It's tasty.

Ma'am, bring us another plate.

OK.

Behold. Silver dragon dives into the sea.

Look.

Fantastic.

Well done.

Great.

Jiangnan does have special tea ceremony.

The pastries are good. The tea is good.

The ladies are beautiful.

Do you think so?

- Yes. - Yes.

Good.

Great.

Everyone, you enjoy a 50% discount at such a nice place.

Double the price.

Will you come, everyone?

Yes.

Definitely.

You shouldn't come alone.

You should take your parents,

uncles, aunts, brothers and sister-in-laws.

- Yes. - No problem.

Have some more.

(South Gate)

Boss, shall we knock off?

Rub the ink stick.

Well...

Stop.

You look spaced-out.

No.

I'm always like this.

I'm too busy to attend to anything else recently.

I asked you to investigate Ouyang Xu's case.

How was it going?

I wrote a memorandum.

Here it is.

Palace, observe, official?

I reminded you.

You were too busy to read it.

You did not elaborate

and stalled deliberately on showing it to me.

What did Zhao Pan'er do

that scared Ouyang out of his wits

and made him give up his promising career

in order to leave the capital?

Well...

Well...

Knock off.

Knock off.

Thanks, Boss.

(Prudent In Business)

Chen Lian,

the matter you asked me to deal with is almost done.

Within three days,

Fei-qian will be sent to the Eastern Capital.

Moreover,

the teahouse you introduced

is really nice.

The shopkeeper, Ms. Zhao,

is really a peerless beauty.

Standing behind the counter,

she looks exactly like the legendary woman, Zhuo Wen...

Zhuo Wenjun.

Mr. Gu.

Fei-qian?

Teahouse?

Boss,

you told me to meet all demands of Pan'er.

I dare not tell you without her permission.

(Zhao's Teahouse)

Thanks.

I'm really sorry to bother you guys.

Next time when you come,

we'll offer you a 90% discount.

Really?

That's good.

Thanks.

Thanks for your entertainment. See you.

OK, take care.

Ms. Zhao, your business seems good.

It looks like you have to open at night.

Not today.

Today is the first day.

I didn't expect there would be so many guests.

All food and drinks are sold out.

You look proud.

Of course.

Don't you think our teahouse is tasteful?

It only takes us three days

to open the teahouse

since we decided to do the business.

I've even begun to admire myself.

Speaking of that, I should thank you

for convincing us to stay in the Eastern Capital.

We've got much more guests here than we did in Qiantang.

Cut the euphemisms.

You know what I'm trying to say.

After all the trouble you took to drive Ouyang Xu

out of the Eastern Capital,

you appear in public in such a high profile.

Aren't you afraid of

what the Gao Family would do to you

if they know about your existence?

Do you suggest I should hide forever?

Ouyang Xu tried to drive me out of the Eastern Capital.

I won't let him get what he wants.

I know whatever I say,

you have more to reply to me.

I didn't ask you to stay

to run a business.

I know you would say that.

That's why I asked Chen Lian not to tell you.

If I don't run a business,

how could the three of us make a living?

How do we pay the rent?

Shall we eat ourselves out of house and home?

Would I sit by and watch that happen?

When we were in Jiangnan,

you said you needed hundreds of strings,

and I lent you without hesitation.

If I live in the house rented by you

and spend your money,

what would people think of us?

Who would they think I am?

Your concubine?

Nonsense.

Who dares to say that?

I'm going to tear his mouth.

You're really generous.

But, borrowing from you

makes me feel inferior.

You may lend us

once or twice.

What about 10 times, 100 times?

I would do it thousands, millions, billions of times.

Are they fighting?

Why do I feel they're flirting?

Chen Lian, here you are.

Sanniang.

The pastries I left specially for you.

Take care.

Don't choke yourself.

My Zifang loves it too.

He was as greedy as you when he ate it.

Zifang?

Your son?

Where is he?

Don't choke again.

Mr. Gu.

Did he come, too?

Don't interrupt.

They're having a fight.

Why are they fighting for nothing?

My boss

isn't happy with you running business here.

Why?

No reason.

Anyway, Yinzhang, don't mind them.

What are you looking at?

Stop looking.

Have a piece of pastry.

It's delicious.

The reason why I open the teahouse

is to wait for Ouyang Xu.

When he returns,

I'll get The Night Revels back.

Retrieving the painting is sort of an official business.

It doesn't matter if you can't get it back.

I'm worried about you.

I'm getting busier and busier.

What if I get negligent and can't protect you well?

I can stand on my own feet

without other's protection.

Am I an outsider?

I didn't mean you're an outsider.

Ouyang Xu, who hasn't got an official job,

had already given you a hard time.

Your business is good.

What if people get jealous?

The Gao Family needn't do it themselves.

By hiring some local ruffians,

they would make you miserable.

Before I knew you,

I had been running business in Qiantang for years.

I know the rules.

I've paid the head of guilds.

I've also bribed the Village Head.

Before you came back,

we had dealt with some local ruffians.

We defeated them.

Don't forget, if Sanniang gets wild,

she could batter you unconscious.

Anyway, you always have your reasons.

I'm not being stubborn.

I really want to open the teahouse.

I decided to stay in the Eastern Capital

partly because of your prodding.

Then that day I was preparing for the opening of the teahouse,

when I picked up the teapot

and the abacus,

my grievances and anger suddenly dissipated.

The Eastern Capital is so big, so nice.

If you can stay here,

we can make a living here, too.

I have a hunch.

We'll make the teahouse

even better than we did

in Qiantang.

I passed by Jinghua Academy on my way here.

I heard the students reading,

oranges change with their environment.

Right. You did a good job in Qiantang.

But it doesn't necessarily mean

you can do it as well here.

Really?

Don't you think the guests

are the best proof?

Would you wager me?

The wager shall be limited to one month.

After one month,

if your teahouse

is still profitable,

I'll let go of it.

If it suffers a deficit...

OK.

In that case, I'll do whatever you ask.

Or maybe you should ask an accountant to check the accounts.

Enough.

Invite me in and serve me a cup of tea.

Let's see if you've made progress

or lagged behind comparing with a month ago.

I've always been making progress on tea ceremony.

I just wish

you wouldn't pull a knife against me.

If I remember correctly,

last time, you put some

suspicious ingredients in my tea first.

You deserved it. You were really annoying.

You were no better.

You capitalized on my difficulties and were audacious in the extreme.

You also distorted the right

and were opinionated.

Distorted the right, be opinionated?

You are such a...

Mr. Gu,

please don't be angry with Pan'er.

I didn't listen to her

and ran away with Zhou She,

which led us into such a huge trouble.

I tried to drop my official registration,

which implicated her in offending Ouyang Xu.

I insisted on opening the teahouse, too.

It was me

to be blamed on.

No, I didn't intend to blame Pan'er.

You don't have to

take the blame for everything.

Yeah, Pan'er told me

you are

in poor health.

If you want to build a career here,

you should think it over.

You should learn more, work harder,

take good care of yourself

and try to be stronger.

Next time when something like the case with Ouyang Xu happens again,

except for blaming yourself,

what else can you do?

OK, I'm going to skip the tea.

I have to go.

Have a booming business, Ms. Zhao.

He finally left.

I'm exhausted.

Later,

I'll get the drinks prepared

for tomorrow.

We can't manage all this by ourselves.

We need a hand.

Yes.

I can help, too.

Mr. Gu,

I want to help, too.

But what can I do?

Next time when something like

the case with Ouyang Xu happens again...

Did you try to tell me

the Gao Family may retaliate against us in the future?

But they can't even deal with you.

(I've been proud of myself.)

I think my voice is peerless in the world,

not expecting it's greatly inferior to

your pipa skill.

(There are too many officials)

(who have never seen His Majesty in their lives.)

What about me?

I'm only 23 years old,

yet I've been praised twice by His Majesty and the Empress.

Twice.

His Majesty?

He is more powerful than the Gao Family.

If I'm like Zhang Haohao...

Excuse me,

I'm not feeling well.

I won't go to the teahouse today.

Have a good rest.

Come and have some breakfast.

I'm not hungry yet.

I'm going back to my room.

Let's eat fast.

We have to go to the teahouse after the breakfast.

(Music Division)

How is your preparation?

It's arranged well here.

Excuse me, where is Mr. Yuan?

Over there.

Remember the rhythm.

There must be rising and falling in cadence.

Do you know what rising and falling are?

Put your hands here.

(Shen Ruzhuo)

A high note struck by the chord is like inverted bell echoes in a temple.

The high notes broke the tune and interweave with the low.

What a tune of Western Liangzhou!

I'm Song Yinzhang from Qiantang Music Bureau.

I have a letter from State Magistrate Xu of Xiuzhou.

I wonder where Mr. Yuan is.

(Yuan Changhe, Head of Music Division) I'm Yuan Changhe.

I'm honored to see you.

This is Mr. Xu's letter to you.

(Letter to Mr. Yuan)

Pan'er,

could you take me to the Eastern Capital

to see Mr. Ouyang?

But you're a registered musician of Qiantang.

It's not hard.

Though I can't influence Hangzhou Music Bureau,

I can write a letter

and ask Ms. Song to deliver it

to the Music Division of the Eastern Capital.

Then you won't have any difficulties to go to the capital.

Really?

Great.

Thank you, my lord.

Mr. Xu is really kind.

They are just two volumes of music score.

Why did he take the trouble to write a letter himself?

I heard from the musicians of the Qianwang's Mansion

that you've reached the acme of perfection

and are called the best pipa player in Jiangnan.

By hearing your tune today,

I think you're true to your name.

Thanks for you to deliver the letter.

May I ask do you have any plans

in the capital?

Since you've asked,

I'll make bold to speak frankly.

I used to belong to Qiantang Music Bureau.

Because I had no match on playing pipa,

I haven't made any progress over the last few years.

I heard there are many master-hands in the Eastern Capital.

I wonder if I could be transferred to your division.

That would be great.

Among the 13 sections and branches of our division,

only pipa branch has been neglected for years.

I was thinking about how I should

ask you to stay just now.

Hurry, bring me the transfer papers.

Yes.

Thank you, sir.

You're welcome.

In his letter,

Mr. Xu asked me to take care of you.

Though you have excellent skills,

you're new in the capital after all.

Why don't you

take the position of pipa coach first?

After a few months,

when you get familiar with the etiquette and rules,

you can go to the palace to perform.

With your skill,

you'll surely be rewarded.

Really?

I came here simply to pay a visit to His Majesty.

On my way to the capital,

I happened to get a box of ambergris.

Would you like to examine it for me?

Well...

You're too kind.

All right, let me show you around.

Please.

This is Yun Shao Music Section, Fa Music Section,

Fife Section and so on.

There are only four musicians in your Pipa Branch.

The head is in vacancy.

You are the only coach.

Every 15 days,

you need to work for two days in the division,

either performing,

instructing your musicians

or practicing music together.

It'll be your own choice.

Sir, you have a guest.

Excuse me.

Please look around.

Ms. Song,

may I have the privilege

of showing you around?

I'm Shen Ruzhuo, Editorial Director.

I came for business today,

not expecting to hear your fairy music.

It's a great luck.

I'm flattered.

Ms. Song, come with me.

I'll show you around the Division.

♪A feeling of depression♪

♪Falls on those will part just like moonlight♪

♪How can we forget each other♪

♪Wind blows and time flies♪

♪When the splendor fades away only the smell lingers♪

♪In the corner of memories there are sad moments♪

♪Emotions go on and on♪

♪Because time is short but love is hot♪

♪Stars wink for you♪

♪Romance is crazy about you♪

♪Who even waits for you♪

♪Until the end of her life♪

♪When I look back one day♪

♪I'll let go of everything♪

♪I'll hold your hand and never let you down♪

♪Ah Ah Ah♪

♪When our eyes get wet with tears for each other♪

♪Ah Ah Ah♪

♪I'll enjoy a simple life with you♪